A new study on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on craft distillers reveals that 41 percent of their sales evaporated — worth more than $700 million — and 31 percent of their employees have been furloughed. A significant portion of these losses was attributed to the shutdown of on-site sales from tasting rooms and other on-premise sales.

Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co., Newport, R.I., announced the acquisition of New York-based Radiant Pig Beer Co. With Braven Brewing Co. and Radiant Pig Beer Co., Newport Craft’s stable of products now features 26 authentic beers, and more than 10 craft spirit and cocktail labels, the craft brewer and distiller says.

Lonerider Spirits, Holly Springs, N.C., launched a monthly subscription box named the “Bundled Bourbon Box” that focuses exclusively on cocktails made with bourbon.

Mezcal El Samaritano recently released several new spirits: Espadin, Tobalá, Ensamble and Mexicano.

As the final wrap-up of 2019, the readers of Beverage Industry voted on their favorite new product. Compiled from the monthly winners of the Readers’ Choice: New Product of the Month poll, the voting took place Jan. 21 through Feb. 3.

Skunk Brother Spirits released Smoke Jumper Peated Bourbon, a sweet and smoky bourbon that is made with local Washington-grown corn, malted barley, white wheat and a little bit of rye, it says.

The year might be coming to a close soon, but that doesn’t mean the innovations in the beverage market have slowed down. Across all sectors of the alcohol and non-alcohol beverage market, brand owners continue to develop products that bring joy to consumers’ lives.

Ranch Rider Spirits Co. will launch better-for-you canned tequila and vodka cocktails in select bars, restaurants, venues and liquor stores this December. 

Angel’s Envy, an entity of Bacardi USA Inc., announced the limited-edition release of Angel’s Envy 2019 Cask Strength Bourbon Finished in Port Barrels.